Cheryl’s Holiday Picks
Plymouth Sloe Gin
The perfect gift for the cocktail lover on your list!
Plymouth Sloe Gin comes from England’s oldest gin distillery and has the kind of rich, berry-driven flavour that makes it a standout this time of year. Its recipe traces back to the hedgerows of Devonshire, giving it that classic English character which makes it a perfect pairing for winter sipping.
Cheryl’s Holiday Serving Tip:
Try freezing cube-shaped ice with an orange slice, cranberry, and a small rosemary sprig. Add to a glass with 1oz of Plymouth Sloe Gin, and top with sparkling water. It’s simple, festive, and looks great in the glass!
Vite Colte Barbaresco Riserva Spezie
Spezie Barbaresco is everything you want from this iconic Piedmont classic. Elegantly red-fruited with subtle savoury notes, it shows that beautiful balance between finesse and rustic charm that only true Barbaresco delivers. Light on its feet yet framed by an elegant, lingering grip on the finish — it’s pure magic in the glass.
Serve slightly below room temperature and pair with a small plate of aged Parmigiano and truffle honey. The wine’s red-fruit brightness and gentle tannins come alive, making it an effortless holiday crowd-pleaser!
Bollinger Special Cuvee NV
Bollinger Special Cuvée truly lives up to its name. Over 85% of the blend comes from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, giving it remarkable depth and pedigree. The bubbles are tiny and refined, a sign of careful fermentation and patient ageing. On the palate, you will find ripe fruits, roasted orchard notes, and a gentle touch of spice. Then imagine fresh brioche with crushed almonds and walnuts. It is beautiful from start to finish.
Serve well chilled in a white wine glass to let the aromatics shine. Pair with lightly toasted hazelnuts or a simple plate of gouda and apple slices. The richness of the Champagne meets the sweet, nutty flavours perfectly for a festive moment that feels effortlessly elegant.
Chateau Musar
Musar 2017 is beautifully expressive from the very first swirl. The aromas are pronounced and inviting, filled with dried red fruits, cherries, and plums. You will notice dried savoury herbs, a touch of baking spice, and a gentle earthiness that ties everything together. It is elegant, warm, and full of character in that unmistakable Musar way.
Serve slightly cool and pair with roasted root vegetables or a simple herb-rubbed roast chicken. The wine’s dried fruit and savoury notes shine even brighter, making it a perfect addition to a cozy winter table.
Tomato Wheels Lambrusco
Tomato Wheels Lambrusco is as vibrant as its story. Canadian Indigenous entrepreneur Moirae Choquette and sommelier Brad Royale teamed up with a fourth-generation vineyard in Emilia-Romagna to bring this wine to Canada. Bursting with blueberries, blackberries, a hint of chocolate, and lively bubbles with gentle tannins, it’s playful, refreshing, and impossible not to enjoy.
Serve well chilled with a charcuterie plate of prosciutto, aged cheddar, and fresh blackberries for a festive, flavourful pairing.
Bottega Pistachio Liqueur
Pistachio Liqueur is dangerously delicious! Not overly sweet, it’s perfectly balanced and nutty, making it a delight on its own over ice. Even better? Drizzle it over maple walnut ice cream for an indulgent, festive treat.
Cheryl’s Holiday Serving Tip:
Pour over ice cream or stir into coffee or hot chocolate for a subtly nutty twist that’s instantly cozy and decadent.
Taylor Fladgate LBV Gift Pack
Taylor Fladgate LBV Port is the ultimate winter indulgence. Rich and dessert-style, it’s perfect after a hearty meal or as a nightcap, bringing a special touch to any evening. Paired with two gift glasses in a boxed set, it makes a gift that feels truly elevated and celebratory.
Serve slightly cool in a small glass with a few squares of dark chocolate or a wedge of blue cheese. The port’s richness and depth make every sip feel like a festive treat.
Tire Shack Candy Cane Stout
Candy Cane Stout is fun, full-bodied, and perfectly festive. Made by Tire Shack Brewing Co in Moncton, New Brunswick, this stout pairs a hint of chocolate richness with candy cane for a playful, seasonal treat. It’s just as enjoyable on its own as it is in an ice cream float and makes a great stocking stuffer for the “big kids” in your life (19+).
Pour over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent float, or enjoy straight from the glass with a cozy winter movie night.